Theme: “Ethical and Professional Media: A Tool for Peace and Tranquility in a Nation”
Your Excellency, President of the Republic of The Gambia,
Honorable Ministers,
Senior government officials,
Distinguished Guests,
Media Practitioners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an immense honor for me to stand before you today at the official inauguration of the new Star FM & TV complex, a remarkable milestone in the growth and expansion of Gambia’s media landscape. This event is proof to the unwavering commitment of media practitioners in The Gambia to inform, educate, and empower our people.
The gathering today as tasked to the GPU is anchored on a powerful theme: “Ethical and Professional Media – A Tool for Peace and Tranquility in a Nation.” This theme speaks to the very heart of journalism’s role in shaping societies, fostering national cohesion, and ensuring democratic progress. The media is far beyond observing events, it is a key player in maintaining peace, promoting development, and holding power to account.
Ladies and gentlemen, the media is often described as the Fourth Estate because of its immense influence in society. With this influence comes great responsibility, the responsibility to report truthfully, to be the voice of the voiceless, to expose injustice, and to serve the public interest. In a time when misinformation and divisive narratives threaten social harmony, the role of ethical and professional journalism cannot be overstated.
Journalism must be guided by integrity, impartiality, and accuracy. It is for this reason that the Gambia Press Union continues to emphasize the importance of upholding ethical standards in journalism, as enshrined in the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists. Ethics are not optional; they are the very foundation upon which credible journalism stands. A nation without ethical journalism is a nation exposed to manipulation, propaganda, and instability.
As we celebrate the expansion of Star FM & TV, we also celebrate an opportunity, a chance to open the doors wider for young and aspiring journalists. Our media industry must not be a closed space dominated by a select few; it must be a nurturing ground for fresh voices, new perspectives, and innovative storytelling.
I urge Star FM & TV to invest in young talent, provide mentorship, and create a platform where budding journalists can refine their skills and contribute meaningfully to the national discourse. The future of our media industry depends on the investments we make today in capacity-building, professional development, and ethical training.
Your Excellency, distinguished guests, while we acknowledge the significant strides made in enhancing media freedom in The Gambia, there are still legal frameworks in place that hinder the full realization of press freedom. We call on the government to take concrete steps in repealing outdated laws that criminalize speech, suppress dissent, and restrict journalistic independence. A truly democratic society embraces press freedom, not as a threat, but as a fundamental right that strengthens governance and accountability.
A free media is not an enemy of the state, it is a partner in nation-building. When journalists operate without fear of persecution, when they can report the truth without intimidation, and when they are protected by progressive laws, society thrives. We urge the government to work collaboratively with the GPU and media stakeholders to ensure that press freedom is fully protected in The Gambia.
At the Gambia Press Union, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting journalists and media institutions in their pursuit of excellence. Through training, advocacy, and mentorship, we will continue to empower media professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern journalism.
We will also continue to advocate for better working conditions for journalists, ensuring that they are given the respect, protection, and fair remuneration they deserve. Journalism is a service to the people that must be valued and safeguarded.
Finally, I remind my fellow journalists that our duty is first and foremost to the people we serve. In everything we do, we must prioritize public interests above political, corporate, or personal interests.
Our reporting must seek to inform rather than mislead, to educate rather than divide, and to empower rather than exploit. The strength of our democracy depends on the strength of our journalism, and the strength of our journalism depends on our commitment to truth, fairness, and professionalism.
As we witness the official inauguration of the new Star FM & TV complex, let us not just celebrate the growth of an institution, but also renew our collective commitment to ethical and professional journalism. To the management and staff of Star FM & TV, I say: May this new chapter bring greater impact, more meaningful stories, and a renewed dedication to serving the people of The Gambia.
Long live press freedom. Long live The Gambia.
Thank you.
